WASHINGTON-Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, invited Catholics and others to join the nationwide "9 Days for Life" campaign.

"We're praying for a lot of things this month, including racial harmony, Christian unity, and the protection of all human life," Cardinal Dolan said. "As we pray for that unity, I invite our brothers and sisters in Christ to join in the '9 Days for Life' prayer campaign. Together, our prayers and actions can witness to the dignity of the human person."

9 Days for Life is the U.S. bishops' annual prayer and action campaign around the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion throughout the nine months of pregnancy. It occurs this year from Saturday, January 21 to Sunday, January 29.

Each day treats a different aspect of respecting the dignity of the human person-from the beginning of life to its natural end. At a time when many are attending demonstrations and marches in person, novena participants are encouraged make a kind of "virtual pilgrimage." In solidarity with tens of thousands, they can pray daily, gather for fellowship and discussion, and share their experiences on social media with the hashtag, #9daysforlife.